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A Zerz

Publications and source records attributed to A Zerz.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Laparoscopic appendectomy does not change the incidence of postoperative infectious complications.

BACKGROUND: It is not clear whether the laparoscopic approach does decrease the incidence of postoperative infectious complications after appendectomy. METHODS: One hundred sixty-nine patients were randomized, 87 with laparoscopic (LA) and 82 with open appendectomy (OA). Patients in the OA group had a McBurney incision; LA was performed in the lithotomy position. RESULTS: Acute appendicitis was confirmed in 75% of patients. The appendix was perforated in 5 patients of the LA versus 2 patients of the OA group. No conversion to the open procedure was necessary. The median operating time was 35 minutes in the LA group and 31 minutes in the open group (P = 0.58). The median postoperative hospital stay was shorter after laparoscopic than after open surgery (3 days versus 4 days, P = 0.026), whereas the time required for return to work was not significantly different (14 versus 15 days). There were 5 (6%) patients with superficial wound infection following LA and 6 (7%) after OA (P = 0.67). Intra-abdominal fluid collections were found in 2 (2%) patients following LA and 3 (4%) patients following OA (P = 0.60). In the LA group, 3 patients presented with intra-abdominal hemorrhage and another 3 developed a paralytic ileus that was treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy is as safe and as effective as the open procedure; however, it does not decrease the rate of postoperative infectious complications.

Abdominal Abscess

[Role of the pulsatile organ perfusion surgical simulator in surgery education].

The operation simulator with pulsatile organ perfusion ("POP trainer") simulates the blood supply of organs or organ complexes and was developed for the training in both minimally invasive and conventional surgery. With the redesigned new POP-trainer, even complex operations, such as colorectal and antireflux procedures can be practised. Due to perfect quality of simulation, simple handling and economic aspects, the POP trainer serves to intensify the training of surgeons, simultaneously decreasing the number of animal experiments.

Animal Testing Alternatives

[Double balloon catheter for facilitating (laparoscopic) choledochus drainage].

In laparoscopic management of choledocholithiasis the drains available for bile-duct drainage are problematic. Since November 1991 we have given priority to the laparoscopic management of common bile-duct stones (n = 97). In cooperation with industry (W. Rüsch/D-Waiblingen), we have developed a double-balloon catheter for laparoscopic application. In 15 cases we used this double-balloon catheter. There were no complications like dislocation, obstruction or leakage. This new catheter facilitates the procedure of laparoscopic bile-duct exploration in choledocholithiasis. The operating time is reduced and removal of residual concrements is easily possible.

Catheterization

[Laparoscopic therapy of choledocholithiasis].

The introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has led to controversial discussions about the proceeding in case of coincident common bile duct stones. In our unit choledocholithiasis has been treated laparoscopically since November 1991. Basic requirement has been a routine intraoperative cholangiography. 67 patients with common bile duct stones were treated until January 1995. All patients underwent a follow up and the results were compared to other concepts. In 40 cases common bile duct stones were eliminated via cystic duct and in 27 cases by choledochotomy. The choledochus was drained routinely for postoperative x-ray control. In 9 cases we found residual concrements: 7 patients required postoperative endoscopic papillotomy and in 2 cases the calculi where eliminated with a dormia basket introduced via drainage tube. In one case surgical management was changed to laparotomy. Postoperative complications occurred in 8 cases. One patient suffering from bacterial peritonitis underwent laparotomy on the 9th postoperative day; one with bleeding from the cystic artery was treated by relaparoscopy. One patient developed a liver abscess and two patients a bilioma requiring ultrasound guided drainage. A superficial wound infection in one patient and a biliary leakage after removal of the drainage in two patients healed spontaneously. Due to an intact papilla with less stress to the patient, as well as a complication rate comparable with other published therapeutic concepts, this strategy can be recommended as a valuable alternative procedure.

Cholangiography

[Laparoscopic versus conventional appendectomy: a prospective randomized study].

The discussion about laparoscopic appendectomy has increased since the introduction of this method. Randomized comparisons are still feasible, whereas this cannot be stated for other laparoscopic procedures (e.g., laparoscopic cholecystectomy). This randomized controlled trial included 170 patients. Open appendectomy was employed in 83 patients, and 87 were treated laparoscopically. The treatment groups were comparable regarding age, sex, Broca index, ASA classification, preliminary operations, and preoperative leucocytes. No statistically significant differences could be found with respect to surgical and general complications, operating time, consumption of analgesics and antibiotics, and return to work. The analysis revealed a statistically significant shorter hospital stay, a shorter time until return to normal physical activity, and a shorter duration of complaints for the laparoscopic group. We were unable to demonstrate any statistically significant advantage in using the open procedure.

Adolescent

[Educational opportunities in minimally invasive surgery].

Since minimally invasive surgery makes high demands on the skill, concentration and endurance of the surgeon, requisite training in this operating technique is of overriding importance. Basic training on pelvitrainers serves to enable the participant to become acquainted with the instruments and the video technique and to gain experience in handling the camera. A realistic simulation of intraoperative situations is not possible. With pulsatile organ perfusion (POP) nearly all abdominal, thoracic, vascular, urological and gynecological surgical procedures, as well as the encountered complications, can be imitated, widely replacing the need for animal experiments. Complex operations which are bound to anatomical structures, have to be practised on anaesthetized animals, as before.

Animals

Simulated operations by pulsatile organ-perfusion in minimally invasive surgery.

The rapid amplification of indications and areas of application of laparoscopic or thoracoscopic techniques leads to increasing problems and needs in surgical training. Pulsatile perfusion of organs (POP) and organ groups in laparoscopic training devices (pelvitrainers) aids in creating optimum conditions for the simulation of difficult intraoperative situations and complications. Simple applicability, low cost, and the possibility of a noticeable reduction of the currently required animal experiments render POP an ideal training method for minimally invasive surgery.

Animals